Authorities are investigating social media reports of a Tucson woman killing a Gila monster.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department confirmed that Sarah Crabtree is under investigation connected to a Facebook a post in which she appears to have beheaded a Gila monster with a screwdriver.
Crabtree was issued a ticket on five counts:
- Possession of restricted wildlife
- Taking of wildlife without a license
- Possession and transportation of unlawfully taken wildlife
- Taking of wildlife during closed season
- Taking of wildlife by unlawful method
All crimes are second class misdemeanors punishable by six months in jail and a $750 fine.
Crabtree was issued a ticket and will appear in Pima County Animal Welfare Court May 5.
Gila monsters are a protected species, considered "near threatened" and killing one is considered a crime under state law.
